Cornell University Graduate Fellowships

Fellowships are merit-based awards, and the selection process is highly competitive. For Cornell University Fellowships, prospective students are considered for awards based on their graduate admissions application; no separate fellowship application is required. The graduate field to which an applicant applies will consider their eligibility for fellowships. Admitted Ph.D. students are typically notified of any fellowship awards as part of their admission offer. Factors considered include academic record, research potential, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

Renewal conditions vary by the specific fellowship or funding package. Some fellowships, such as the Sage Fellowships, are two-year awards (first year and dissertation year) with additional summer funding, contingent on academic progress. Doctoral students are typically fully funded for the duration of their degree, which is dependent on maintaining good academic standing and satisfactory progress toward their degree. External fellowships may provide one or multiple years of support based on the terms of the granting agency.